An Oneonta man faces trial next week in Cooperstown for the alleged assault and rape of a SUNY Oneonta student last spring.
A 23-year-old student was attacked on the edge of the State University College at Oneonta campus early in the morning of May 16, according to police.
Police and prosecutors have said the woman bravely fought off a vicious attack by Justin Gillingham, 24, leaving scratches on him that led to his arrest.
During an interview with police later the same day, Gillingham told investigators he was the victim of an attack by the woman and four men, according to his statement on file in court.
Gillingham was arrested that day on a first-degree rape charge and indicted June 17 on charges of first-degree rape, second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault.
He faces trial before Supreme Court Justice Michael Coccoma that is slated to begin Monday with jury selection.
The woman met Gillingham and another man downtown on the night of May 15, and she drove them back to Gillingham's apartment on Cozy Avenue to smoke marijuana, according to her statement on file in city court. The woman said she had not known the two men.
The Daily Star has a policy of not naming the victims or alleged victims of sexual assaults.
When the woman left Gillingham's apartment to return to her dormitory on the SUNY Oneonta campus, he rode with her, according to the statement.
The alleged attack occurred on or near a popular shortcut between the campus and Clinton Street as the woman was showing Gillingham how to get back to his apartment on foot, according to the statement.
Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl previously said Gillingham tried to kill the woman.
The woman told police her assailant tried to snap her neck three times, according to her statement on file with the court.
Gillingham attended city schools and graduated from the Oneonta Job Corps Academy. He was working as a laborer at the time of his arrest, according to his family members.
Muehl was preparing for the trial Thursday and was not available, according to his office.
He did not immediately return a call.
Gillingham's attorney, Richard "Otto" Rothermel, was also preparing for the trial Thursday and not available for comment, according to his office.
He also did not immediately return a call.
